Razor Sharp - Woox A1X Hand Axe - Field Test

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Woox A1X Hatchet – Field Test

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Agenda Free Link : https://wooxstore.com/products/axe-ax1

Price : $229 retail Made in Italy, developed in US – woox describes themselves as a high end tool and stock company

Weight : 2.3lbs on my scale

Colors/Finishes : Walnut / Midnight Grey

WOOX AX1 is a unique tomahawk-style hand axe that features an octagonal Appalachian hickory handle to bring durability and ergonomics. Finished with Cerakote to enhance the performance of the ax, make it more resistant to abrasions, wear and tear, corrosion, chemicals, and impact.Featuring a tempered carbon steel head and diamond heel, this ax is perfect for camping or clearing trees and bush in your back yard.Get the best from your AX1 with WOOX's leather sheath, Arkansas Whetstone and all the other ax accessories.*Italian leather collar included with each ax. Custom leather sheath available for purchase separately.

The WOOX AX1 is a quality tomahawk style hand axe. Sporting a solid wedge-shaped axe head made of tempered carbon steel, along with Cerakoted in either black or gray for improved weather resistance, this axe is one of a kind.

WOOX has developed a leather and collar sheath (protects handle) specifically designed only for the AX1 to keep it safe and clean when not in use.

(sara-coated)

Observations :

No sheath included and I personally don’t like this.  For the price, one should be included especially considering how sharp this tool is.  It doesn’t have to be as elaborate or as feature rich as the  $70 version but something needs to be included to cover the blade.– one can be purchased for an additional of $70.  It’s nice but for an axe of this price, something should have been included.

Impressions : Without the doubt, the nicest axe/hatch that I have ever used.

Gimping is a nice touch; does allow for finer control over the axe head with finer work.

My thoughts so far are :

Price : Without a doubt, this is one of the more expensive hand axes out on the market that I am aware of; In fact, this is more expensive than most full size axes and that is a problem.  While is exceptionally nice and the quality is top notch…price is always going to be a touchy topic especially when you can buy a quality hatchet/hand exe for $50.  Something to keep in mind, higher end products can provide a higher end experience which can make your life easier and can also be safer.

If you purchase too inexpensively you may get something dull out of the box or a tool which dulls quickly and won’t hold an edge. The other opposite end of this is that you can spend too much and you can go past the point of even returns for the money.

Speaking of which, coming up soon I will have a more budget friendly hatchet to put to through the paces in another Field Test!

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Delimbing -  Chopping Test

Standing Splitting – remember, when splitting, the trick isn’t strength and power, it is finesse.  With finesse you can balance power and control, wildly swinging will result in someone getting hurt.

Lay-down – Center Split - Feather stick - Hammering

Strike guidance – straight or does it curve – this is important as not axe heads are created equal.  Some heads will guide one way or the other

How does the handle absorb impacts : Much better than metal handles as wooden handles do a better job of absorbing vibrations.

If you're chopping with a hatchet, unless you are very well trained, chop from a kneeling position. This way an errant swing stops at the ground, not your leg.

If you're using a block, place the piece of wood being chopped towards its rear edge.

Wow, That is Different! - Viewer Mail Episode #69

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.
Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

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Say, this axe is different!

Without a doubt Susie and I have the best viewers in the entire world and we are thankful for every single email, letter and package.

Unbeatable Price - Swiss Woodsman Axe - Review

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

It's Military Surplus Wednesday and we are taking a look at an Unbeatable, Inexpensive Axe; the Swiss Military Woodsman Axe!

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Link : https://swisslink.com/new-swiss-military-reserve-woodsman-axe.html

Price : $27

Weight : 4lbs 11oz – Substantial!

Handle : 20”  Ash Hardwood

Blade : 4.5” blade

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For the price, this is one of the best axes on the market!  It’s a heavy duty, two handed tool which could easily fit into the inventory of any outdoorsman.

For bushcraft needs, I have to admit, this is rather heavy.  If you are trekking around with a 5lb axe I’m impressed!

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Thoughts :

Since I haven’t sharpened this axe I can’t give you a review and I may get to that in the following months.  I wanted to show you all what this axe is and how it arrives to you as there is one very important aspect to it that may be a deal breaker for some;

Swiss axes and hatchets will arrive to you dull….duller than a freaking spoon! If you can’t sharpen an axe blade, I’m sure that you can find someone to do that for you.

They were issued like that back in the day so the user could use it for splitting or give it an edge for finer work.  The benefit is that when you sharpen the head yourself, it will be at the angle your hand naturally sharpens and it will be easier for the user to touch up every time. Everyone has their own particular angle that feels best, so sharpening is always consistent.

Something to keep in mind is that this is a $26 axe which means that it’s perfect for a basic beater tool. Keep it behind the seat of the truck, take it with you on your next hunting trip, etc.

Handle is smooth enough but a bit of work will take it to the next level.  Some sanding and coating of some oil will go a long way.

Tip :  Give it a rubdown with beeswax/oil mix or linseed oil and sat it beside the wood stove for it to absorb into the handle.

For $26 I think that this is a heck of a bargain.  There are a few sites selling these but they are much more expensive.  For a project axe, a beater axe, this can’t be beat.

Prandi 3.011.C Axe "German type" - Review

Luke has been on a roll with axe reviews lately so here is another one!  This is the review of the very budget friendly, very impressive Prandi 3.011.C Axe "German type" - Review

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Link : https://www.a-prandi.it/en/shop/3-011-c-axe-german-type.html

Cost : €38.30 Euros - 40.57 US + Shipping Which is around $20.00 or so.
“Pran –Di”

Model : 3.011.10.CH

Stats :

Head Weight :

1000gr / 2,25lb

Carbon Steel 1045

Total weight : 3lbs 8oz

Only the blade is hardened, 3 cm. Long.

Hardness value: 51/56 HRC

Extremely narrow blade which goes DEEP into whatever this strikes.  It’s beautiful!  If you’re a blade/axe drok like myself, you will likely agree.  When you show this off to fellow axemen, they all say the same thing!  Wow!

Handle :

60cm / 23,65in Hickory – Custom.  Fat but yet man-sized.

Treated with wax or water paint.  The wooden handle is pressed into the eye and it is fixed by the wooden wedge and the ring steel wedge.

Long Shoulder Hunters Axe Handle.  That is what I call it anyways, every region seems to have a different term for different axe handles.  This sort of handle is also referred to as the California Framer, or the Scout, or the House axe handle.

Typically long shoulders like this go with splitters but it’s not entirely uncommon to see.

Axe "German Type", carbon steel C45/1045, with polished and hardened blade. Varnished ash or Hickory handle, Tampoprinted, protector and lace made of genuine leather.

Made in Italy

Axe "German type", carbon steel C45/1045, with polished and hardened blade. Varnished ash or Hickory handle, Tampoprinted, protector and lace made of genuine leather.

Review :

Shaving Sharp = Scary Sharp!

This is what I call a wood-worker axe; is still an easy-to-use tool but still maintains an angry bite. I’ve brought it camping, split through my winter wood pile, and cleared some Birch in the backyard and I still expect to find many more uses for this exemplary piece of craftsmanship. It works very well, holds a great edge, and I bet that it will continue to do so for a very long time. This thing might even outlive me. Looks great, feels great, and can’t complain about that pricing. Exceeded my expectations, to say the least.

This axe's compact size bestows substantial versatility, allowing it to be used as both a lightweight work axe and a dependable packing tool. The widened blade allows this axe to perform exceptionally well as a cutting tool, while still being able to handle moderate splitting work.

If you’re looking for a great workhorse of an ax, look no further. I’ve been using this axe for the past 4 months and have found it to be an exceptional tool.

heavy enough for all around use and about the right size to put on a pack horse. I like it, the handle is put on right, no worry about it coming loose, and very good steel.

Cons :

The handles are varnished and it’s SLICK!  Almost to the point of being dangerous.  I’ve had a hard time keeping this in my hands which means that I am going to do some work on this handle. Now that I’m done with my initial testing with this axe, I am going to correct this issue and there are multiple ways to go about this.

You could wrap it, you could work with treatments such as linseed oil, or there are low tech solutions;

Pine tar, rosin, dirt on your hands, etc.

Victor Onekama 23" Hudson Bay Axe - Review

Today Luke is reviewing the Victor ONEKAMA - 23" HUDSON BAY AXE.

As you may know, Luke has been on a roll with axe reviews lately and they will continue into the future with a wide range of products; ranging from the expensive to the inexpensive.  This one here is on the high side when it comes to cost but the quality is terrific.

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Link :

https://victoraxe.com/products/onekema-hudson-bay-axe

Price : $205

Generally known as the sportman's axe, the Hudson Bay is the axe historically used by Hunters and Trappers. Compact enough carry while travel, while packing enough punch to get through most jobs.

This 23" fawn footed Hudson Bay axe is the collective effort between Victor and Council Tool. Drop forged in North Carolina by Council, one of America's last full size axe manufacturers, this axe is modeled after their premium line of Velvicut® tools. It's finished with minimal paint and pure linseed oil to condition the wood handle and reduce wear and tear on hands. What results is what you've come to expect from Victor - a classically designed, covetable tool that will live on.

Features

o   Hand painted/stained handle, Ebony stain, Flat Black paint, all-weather top coat

o   Hand honed and polished cutting edge

o   Hand crafted leather sheath with Antique Brass hardware made by Ed Tucker Custom Leather.  I was familiar with this individual but I did look him up and his leather work is amazing!

Specifications

o   Head Type: 2 lbs Hudson Bay pattern

o   Head Material: 5160 grade alloy steel

o   Shaping Process: Drop forged

o   Bit (Edge): Tempered to final hardness of Rc 52-56 within 1" from cutting edge

o   Handle Material: American Hickory; Grade A

o   Hang: Wood wedge with juxtaposed steel wedge

o   Overall Weight: 2.75 lbs.

o   Sheath Material: 100% top grade leather, Antique Brass hardware

o   Our head covers are far above the industry standard with heavy leather and hand pressed leather grommets.

Packhawk Survival Axe - Head and Handle Package - Review

Today Luke is reviewing the Packhawk Survival Axe.

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Link : http://packhawkoutdoors.com/store/#!/Packhawk-Survival-Axe-Head-&-Handle-Package/p/57694034/category=19650229

Price : $78.11 (£63.98) Ships worldwide

Package includes:-Packhawk Axe Head-Sheath-Wire chain saw-3m of 550 Paracord-Cotton Pouch

Technical Specs:OAL: 164mmOAW: 100mmBlade Length: 75mmThickness: 6mmWeight: 400gMaterial: O1/1095 Tool SteelFinish: Traditional Beeswax

PackHawk Survival Axe- Breakdown Handle

A extremely quick to build handle option for our PackHawk Axe, this allows the user to go from the rucksack pocket to a fully useable axe in less than a minute!

Heavy duty steel handle for our Packhawk Survival Axes. Breaks down and fits into the survival axe cotton pouch.

Assembly/disassembly of handle and axe takes less than a minute.

Powder coated for durable, tough finish.

Handle includes:

•       Breakdown Handle with paracord wrapped hand grip.

•       Bolts

Allen Key for assembly/disassembly

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Review :

What I love about this is that with very little room being taken up in your pack you have a very versatile tool.  With one setup you have a hatchet.  With another you have an axe.

It’s very easy to put it together and very simple to break it down.

I’m glad that the cotton bag is included but I don’t trust it for my own personally carrying.  I will move this entire kit over to zippered bag which will completely secure each component of my axe system.  You wouldn’t want to take a chance of something falling out of this bag.

Anatomy of an Axe - Axe Basics Part 1

This is Part 1 of Axe Basics and we're going over the Anatomy of an Axe.

Swiss Kitchen Reserve Hatchet - Preview

It's Military Surplus Wednesday and we are taking a look at the Swiss Kitchen Reserve Hatchet.

$23.99 FROM SWISSLINK .COM

http://www.swisslink.com/products/tools_utilities/swiss_kitchen_reserve_hatchet-18-1893/

Solid hardwood handle is 13”.

Sharp solid steel head

Flat pounding surface on back side of head

3 1/4" cutting edge.

 Weighs 2 lbs., 4 ozs.

I will do a video in the future on how to sharpen axes.

Morakniv Outdoor Orange Kit - Preview and Test

Today we are taking a look at the Morakniv Outdoor Orange Kit.
Great Knife.  Great Camp Axe.

$56 on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Steel-Camping-Outdoor-Stainless/dp/B00CVCPDFC

The Mora Outdoor Kit contains an orange Morakniv 2000 and an orange Mora Outdoor Axe. With this kit you'll be able to handle virtually any camp task that may arise. The Mora 2000 knife features a profile ground, multi-function blade constructed of cold-rolled stainless steel and a high friction, ergonomic handle.

The Mora Outdoor Axe is a lightweight camping / backpacking axe featuring an epoxy coated boron steel axe head and a reinforced, contoured handle A leather sheath is included to cover the cutting edge. The handle design provides nice balance for all-day comfort.

Both items have high-visibility orange coloration to prevent loss in low-light conditions or snow. Made in Sweden

Mora 2000 Knife
High visibility orange handle and sheath
Sandvik 12C27 cold-rolled stainless steel blade
High-friction ergonomic handle
Blade: 4.6 in. x .0984 in. drop point
Overall length: 9.11 in.
3.25 oz.

Mora Outdoor Axe
Epoxy coated, boron steel axe head
Contoured ergonomic reinforced handle
Leather sheath covers cutting edge
Blade: .23 inch thick, 4.5 inches long
Overall length: 12.6 inches
1 lb., 2 oz.